Every year, the Eurovision song contest acts as a platform for aspiring artists to get noticed BIG TIME...for many it's just a cheesy, made-for-TV annual joke...though some take it very seriously (and often politically) but whatever the motive...you can't snub the fact the ESC gathers 200 Million+ viewers every year, and ANY aspiring singer would love that sort of audience. 2015 saw Sweden's Måns Zelmerlöw win as out-right favourite with his track "Heroes"...on the eve of the 2016 contest, held this year in Stockholm...lets see what he's done since...

Following his victory in Vienna last year, Måns Zelmerlöw has very much enjoyed the fruits of his labour, playing Summer festivals in both his home country of Sweden and Finland...he's toured Europe and even gone as far as China and Australia...but for any recording artist, its your album that's your pride and joy, and shortly after winning with the third highest points tally ever, he released his fourth album; "Perfectly Damaged". Let's put the pieces together...

Opening track "Stir It Up" kicks things off somewhat slowly, with a hushed, mellow introduction and leads on to what is an enjoyably gentle pop song, finding itself sounding not unlike IMAGINE DRAGONS to some extent and its a decent start. Following up immediately is that contest winning track and it's lost none of its appeal here; this was, is and forever will be a huge dance-pop track and is still a pleasure to listen to, the positive message of unity and solidarity that won him so many fans in Austria is still strong and it provides an album highlight, much like "Someday". The production here is slick and it combines elements of dark synth/dance and 70's funk and its very easy on the ears. Elsewhere too "Let It Burn" and "Unbreakable" provide upbeat moments of pop simplicity, while the rest of the album predominantly consists of slower, ballad driven tracks such as "Hearts Collide".

The beauty of the Eurovision song contest is that its truly multicultural and accepting of diversity, creating a platform for artists to achieve potential stardom, plus have the honour of representing their country at the same time...you can take your X-Factor or your Voice...this one is genuinely from the heart and Måns has worked with a great team to deliver a solid album following his win in Vienna, and he has everything he needs to succeed. Perfectly Damaged? Perfectly fine...this is a good pop album. [7]

Gothic rock has it's audience...it's niche market, no question about it and despite many quality bands coming under this particular sub-genre, it always comes and goes in fads. Artists like HIM for example excel but tweak their sound between albums and many argue are they actually considered "goth" any more? Few bands at all have championed this darker side of alternative music to any level of real mainstream credibility...TYPE-O-NEGATIVE carried that torch for so long but, since the death of Pete Steele, who was there to keep that flame lit? Enter THE 69 EYES. For over twenty years these Finnish goth 'n' roll veterans have flown the flag for dark rock but have always maintained what can almost be described as a cult fan-base...but all of that could change for the Helsinki Vampires in 2016. They've just dropped "Universal Monsters" and like the title suggests the band have gone old-school for album number 12...steaks at the ready; lets open up this casket...

We kick off with "Dolce Vita" and a couple of things become apparent; firstly it appears they are returning to a style that they perfected so effortlessly in all their dark gothic splendour, but secondly and more importantly they are thematically indulging in it. Guitarist's Archzie and Timo-Timo are driving this track with some solid riffs, while Jyrki puts the cherry on the cake with his distinctive baritone and this is the 69 Eyes we all know and love.

"Jet Fighter Plane" is a politically charged, plodding goth-rock anthem for the modern day and is in some ways the sequel to "Crashing High" we never asked for, while album highlight "Blackbird Pie" brilliantly borrows from the old nursery rhyme "Sing A Song Of Sixpence". It's possibly one of the best songs of their already impressive repertoire and with an interesting take on some already dark subject material, this is The 69 Eyes at their very best. This new lease of life and rejuvenation runs through the album as a whole with "Lady Darkness" and "Shallow Graves" having a rich feeling of nostalgia. "Miss Pastis" carries with it certain elements of SISTERS OF MERCY, while "Blue" harks back to the likes of "Stolen Season" with it's cold, sombre beauty but the real trip down memory lane is saved for last..."Rock 'N' Roll Junkie" strips back all goth elements entirely in favour of a more, garage rock vibe, paying tribute to their own beginnings and it's something that long term fans will truly appreciate.

It's fitting that the Helsinki Vampires have written "Universal Monsters"...not only is it one of the strongest records of their career, but it's also a nod to days of old, both musically and in imagery. The old black and white monster movies of the 1940's are universally considered classics, setting the benchmark for the horror genre...here this is a metaphor for the albums that put The 69 Eyes on the gothic rock map; "Blessed Be" and "Paris Kills"...the whole album revisits those glory days (or nights) where the band we know and love came to be. It perfectly blends the then and now and is both ideal for new listeners and essential for fans. Oh creatures of the night...what music they make. [9]​

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Gavin J Griffiths, a.k.a GavTheGothicChav, lover of new music and supporter of bands. Inspired by a mixture of horror and comedy, and fueled by a blend of alcohol and sarcasm...if you're singer / in a band and would like a review written up, please do get in touch via the email address at the top of the page and I'll get back to you ASAP. Much love x